Haslett superintendent to retire Aug. 31; board hires search firm

Superintendent Cook told the Haslett Board of Education on March 11 that he intends to retire effective Aug. 31, 2024, and said he will remain through the transition period to help the district find a replacement. He said he has served in K–12 education for 33 years and as Haslett superintendent for eight years, and thanked staff, students and the community for their support.

Cook said the district has contracted the Michigan Association of School Boards to conduct the superintendent search and that the board will share details on the search process and timeline with the community in coming months. He described the decision as "with mixed emotions" and said he is committed to staying on as long as necessary for a smooth transition.

Board members thanked Cook for his service and noted the demands of the job. The board did not take formal action on a transition timeline at the meeting; Cook said the administration will share process dates and next steps once the search schedule is finalized.

The announcement sets a formal process in motion: the district's use of an external search firm establishes the formal mechanism for candidate recruitment and selection. The board will ultimately vote to appoint the next superintendent once candidates are vetted and finalists are presented.

Public materials referenced at the meeting show Cook's planned retirement date and the contracted search; the board said it will provide further detail about the search timeline to the public when available.